Mayibuye condemns Ntuli’s call for military deployment in KwaZulu-Natal
KWAZULU-NATAL: The Afrika Mayibuye Movement in KwaZulu-Natal has condemned Premier Thami Ntuli’s call for military deployment following the March and March protests, arguing that the move could intimidate legitimate protesters and suppress peaceful dissent.
In a statement, the movement said communities had a right to protest and demand government accountability, lawful immigration management and safer communities.
Mayibuye also criticised the Department of Home Affairs over its handling of asylum applications, describing the process as an administrative failure that overwhelmed reception offices and put officials at risk. The department reportedly withdrew the directive on 9 October 2026.
The movement called for reforms to strengthen identity verification, protect genuine refugees and enforce immigration laws.
It has urged Ntuli to withdraw his call for military intervention and engage directly with protest organisers and affected communities to address concerns around immigration, crime, corruption and livelihoods.
Mayibuye said violence, looting and attacks should be dealt with through lawful policing and individual accountability, rather than used to criminalise an entire protest movement.
“Military force cannot substitute for political accountability,” the movement said.
- Afrika Mayibuye Movement, asylum application delays, Department of Home Affairs, immigration law enforcement, KwaZulu-Natal protests, KwaZulu-Natal public safety, March and March protests, Mayibuye opposes military deployment in KwaZulu-Natal, MDNTV, mdntvlive, mdntvnews, military deployment South Africa, peaceful protest rights, refugee identity verification, Thami Ntuli
